Court News Roundup February
We’ve been busy since the beginning of the year between division changes, which sometimes brings the logistics of moving judicial chambers from one court facility to another and engaging with the community at outreach events such as Local Government Day, performing wedding ceremonies, and helping Scouts earn merit badges. We also welcomed a new judge to the bench, Sarasota County Judge Megan Leaf. Catch up on all the news from the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court.
Judge Leaf joins county court bench
The court officially welcomed Judge Leaf to the bench in the grand tradition of an investiture ceremony. The ceremony confers those newly elected or appointed to the court the honorable title of “judge”. The events are joyful occasions and offer a glimpse into the judiciary that is seldom seen by the public.
Investitures are en banc affairs, which means that judges from around the circuit gather as one body to celebrate the new jurist, along with members of the court community and voluntary bar associations, local dignitaries and other elected officials, family and friends. The events often involve heartwarming stories, laughter and even a few happy tears.
Top Left: Guests at Judge Leaf’s investiture ceremony on January 23rd packed the courtroom with the jury assembly room serving as an overflow room. Bottom Left: Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh served as Master of Ceremonies. Top Center: Judge Megan Leaf. Bottom Center: Circuit Judge Kennedy Legler welcomes Judge Leaf to the bench with a wall hanging for her chambers. Top Right: Twelfth Circuit Judges begin their procession into the courtroom for the circuit’s first investiture of 2026. Bottom Right: Judge Leaf’s robe sits on a specially made hanger, waiting for the moment Judge Leaf’s family will help her put it on publicly.
courtesy of Chelsea Chana, ChasingGracePhotography.com
Judge Bruning talks judiciary at Rowlett civics event
Circiut Judge Kevin Bruning enjoyed a morning off the bench by recently participating in a community outreach civics event at Rowlett Middle Academy. Eight groups of 8th grade civics students maneuvered through classrooms led by government officials explaining their role in the different branches for the school’s Local Government Day. Representing the Judicial Branch was Judge Bruning, and Clerk of Court Angel Colonneso, and Teen Court director Yantee Hines. Members of the executive branch were represented by the Sheriff’s Office, Supervisor of Elections, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector and Manatee County Government. It was the Court’s third year participating in the event and Judge Bruning’s first.
by Donna L. Rhodes
Say ‘I Do’ Again
Circuit Judge Stephen Walker participated in an annual Valentine’s Day tradition by performing a different kind of ceremony on Siesta Key Beach. It was the “Say ‘I Do’ Again” event where couples gather from all around to renew their wedding vows at the special hour near sunset when the white sand turns pink. It was Judge Walker’s fourth time performing the mass nuptials. He told a reporter from the Sarasota Herald Tribune that he looks forward to the community celebration and said he feels fortunate to participate in it. See more photos at heraldtribune.com and yourobserver.com.
courtesy of Ian Swaby | yourobserver.com and Janet Combs | heraldtribune.com
Scouts’ Honor
Top: Circuit Judge Gilbert Smith, Jr., Sheriff Rick Wells, State Representative Bill Conerly and attorney Brian Iten recently taught a law merit badge class to a local scout troop. Each scout received the badge (inset) for successfully completing the class. Bottom: Judge Smith recently participated in Scout Sunday at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church. He wore his uniform because he is still involved with Troop 22 and has been since 1963!
provided by Judge Smith
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